UCLA junior forward Reeves Nelson is expected to play in the team's season-opener against Loyola Marymount on Friday at the Sports Arena after X-rays on his left ankle were negative.

Nelson hurt his foot/ankle late in practice on Tuesday and was held out of practice on Wednesday but is expected to return on Thursday. Nelson had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the Bruins' 80-72 exhibition win over Cal State San Bernadino on Sunday.